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CHANTIX
varenicline tartrate · Tablet, Film Coated
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Cholinergic Agonists [MoA] | MoA | 8 members — no class page |
| Cholinergic Receptor Agonist [EPC] | EPC | All 10 members |
| Partial Cholinergic Nicotinic Agonist [EPC] | EPC | 4 members — no class page |
| Partial Cholinergic Nicotinic Agonists [MoA] | MoA | 4 members — no class page |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 021928-001 | CHANTIX | TABLET | VARENICLINE TARTRATE | Prescription | AB | RLD | |
| 021928-002 | CHANTIX | TABLET | VARENICLINE TARTRATE | Prescription | AB | RLD |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 51 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | June 24, 2025 | Standard |
| Supplement | 48 | Efficacy | Approved | February 22, 2019 | Priority |
| Supplement | 46 | Efficacy | Approved | June 1, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 45 | Efficacy | Approved | June 1, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 42 | Labeling | Approved | October 16, 2017 | Standard |
| Supplement | 40 | Efficacy | Approved | December 16, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 41 | Labeling | Approved | August 12, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 39 | Efficacy | Approved | August 12, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 37 | Labeling | Approved | October 15, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 34 | Efficacy | Approved | October 15, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 33 | Efficacy | Approved | October 15, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 38 | Labeling | Approved | September 19, 2014 | 901 Required |
| Supplement | 36 | Efficacy | Approved | September 19, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 32 | Efficacy | Approved | September 19, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 35 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | July 28, 2014 | Priority |
| Supplement | 30 | Efficacy | Approved | February 19, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 31 | Efficacy | Approved | December 11, 2012 | Standard |
| Supplement | 28 | Labeling | Approved | January 20, 2012 | Standard |
| Supplement | 25 | Labeling | Approved | November 9, 2011 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 21 | Efficacy | Approved | July 22, 2011 | Standard |
| Supplement | 20 | Efficacy | Approved | July 22, 2011 | Standard |
| Supplement | 19 | Efficacy | Approved | July 22, 2011 | Standard |
| Supplement | 24 | Labeling | Approved | June 29, 2011 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 18 | Labeling | Approved | February 17, 2011 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 23 | Labeling | Approved | December 17, 2010 | Standard |
| Supplement | 17 | Labeling | Approved | April 22, 2010 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 14 | Labeling | Approved | April 22, 2010 | Standard |
| Supplement | 15 | Labeling | Approved | February 4, 2010 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 11 | Labeling | Approved | October 19, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 13 | Labeling | Approved | July 1, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 12 | Labeling | Approved | July 1, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 8 | Labeling | Approved | May 16, 2008 | Standard |
| Supplement | 7 | Labeling | Approved | January 31, 2008 | Standard |
| Supplement | 3 | Labeling | Approved | November 20, 2007 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Type 1 - New Molecular Entity | Approved | May 10, 2006 | Priority |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · July 16, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · July 15, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · July 15, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · January 6, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · January 6, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · January 6, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · January 6, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · January 6, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · October 6, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · October 6, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · October 6, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · October 6, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · October 6, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · October 6, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · October 6, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · February 22, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · February 22, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · June 4, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · June 4, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · June 1, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · June 1, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · October 18, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · October 18, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · December 21, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · December 20, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · August 17, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · August 17, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · August 12, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · August 12, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · October 16, 2014
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260123). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingBoxed Warning-Removed 12/2016 Dosage and Administration, Usual Dosage for Adults ( 2.1 ) 8/2016 Warnings and Precautions, Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events including Suicidality ( 5.1 ) 12/2016 Warnings and Precautions, Somnambulism ( 5.6 ) 8/2016
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE CHANTIX is indicated for use as an aid to smoking-cessation treatment. CHANTIX is a nicotinic receptor partial agonist indicated for use as an aid to smoking-cessation treatment. ( 1 and 2.1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Begin CHANTIX dosing one week before the date set by the patient to stop smoking. Alternatively, the patient can begin CHANTIX dosing and then quit smoking between days 8 and 35 of treatment. ( 2.1 ) • Starting Week: 0.5 mg once daily on days 1–3 and 0.5 mg twice daily on days 4–7. ( 2.1 ) • Continuing Weeks: 1 mg twice daily for a total of 12 weeks. ( 2.1 ) • An additional 12 weeks of treatment is recommended for successful quitters to increase likelihood of long-term abstinence. ( 2.1 ) • Consider a gradual approach to quitting smoking with CHANTIX for patients who are sure that they are not able or willing to quit abruptly. Patients should begin CHANTIX dosing and reduce smoking by 50% from baseline within the first four weeks, by an additional 50% in the next four weeks, and continue reducing with the goal of reaching complete abstinence by 12 weeks. Continue treatment for an additional 12 weeks, for a total of 24 weeks. ( 2.1 ) • Severe Renal Impairment (estimated creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min): Begin with 0.5 mg once daily and titrate to 0.5 mg twice daily. For patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis, a maximum of 0.5 mg daily may be given if tolerated. ( 2.2 ) • Consider dose reduction for patients who cannot tolerate adverse effects. ( 2.1 ) • Another attempt at treatment is recommended for those who fail to stop smoking or relapse when factors contributing to the failed attempt have been addressed. ( 2.1 ) • Provide patients with appropriate educational materials and counseling to support the quit attempt. ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage for Adults Smoking-cessation therapies are more likely to succeed for patients who are motivated to stop smoking and who are provided additional advice and support. Provide patients with appropriate educational materials and counseling to support the quit attempt. The patient should set a date to stop smoking. Begin CHANTIX dosing one week before this date. Alternatively, the patient can begin CHANTIX dosing and then quit smoking between days 8 and 35 of treatment. CHANTIX should be taken orally after eating and with a full glass of water. The recommended dose of CHANTIX is 1 mg twice daily following a 1-week titration as follows: Days 1 – 3: 0.5 mg once daily Days 4 – 7: 0.5 mg twice daily Day 8 – end of treatment: 1 mg twice daily Patients should be treated with CHANTIX for 12 weeks. For patients who have successfully stopped smoking at the end of 12 weeks, an additional course of 12 weeks treatment with CHANTIX is recommended to further increase the likelihood of long-term abstinence. For patients who are sure that they are not able or willing to quit abruptly, consider a gradual approach to quitting smoking with CHANTIX. Patients should begin CHANTIX dosing and reduce smoking by 50% from baseline within the first four weeks, by an additional 50% in the next four weeks, and continue reducing with the goal of reaching complete abstinence by 12 weeks. Continue CHANTIX treatment for an additional 12 weeks, for a total of 24 weeks of treatment. Encourage patients to attempt quitting sooner if they feel ready [see Clinical Studies (14.5) ]. Patients who are motivated to quit, and who did not succeed in stopping smoking during prior CHANTIX therapy for reasons other than intolerability due to adverse events or who relapsed after treatment, should be encouraged to make another attempt with CHANTIX once factors contributing to the failed attempt have been identified and addressed. Consider a temporary or permanent dose reduction in patients who cannot tolerate the adverse effects of CHANTIX. 2.2 Dosage in Special Populations Patients with Impaired Renal Function No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild-to-moderate renal impairment. For patients with severe renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance less than 30 mL per min), the recommended starting dose of CHANTIX is 0.5 mg once daily. The dose may then be …
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Capsular, biconvex tablets: 0.5 mg (white to off-white, debossed with " Pfizer " on one side and "CHX 0.5" on the other side) and 1 mg (light blue, debossed with " Pfizer " on one side and "CHX 1.0" on the other side). Tablets: 0.5 mg and 1 mg ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS CHANTIX is contraindicated in patients with a known history of serious hypersensitivity reactions or skin reactions to CHANTIX. History of serious hypersensitivity or skin reactions to CHANTIX. ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events: Postmarketing reports of serious or clinically significant neuropsychiatric adverse events have included changes in mood (including depression and mania), psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, hostility, agitation, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide. Observe patients attempting to quit smoking with CHANTIX for the occurrence of such symptoms and instruct them to discontinue CHANTIX and contact a healthcare provider if they experience such adverse events. ( 5.1 ) Seizures : New or worsening seizures have been observed in patients taking CHANTIX. CHANTIX should be used cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or other factors that can lower the seizure threshold. ( 5.2 ) Interaction with Alcohol : Increased effects of alcohol have been reported. Instruct patients to reduce the amount of alcohol they consume until they know whether CHANTIX affects them. ( 5.3 ) Accidental Injury : Accidental injuries (e.g., traffic accidents) have been reported. Instruct patients to use caution driving or operating machinery until they know how CHANTIX may affect them. ( 5.4 ) Cardiovascular Events : A meta-analysis of 15 clinical trials, including a trial in patients with stable cardiovascular (CV) disease, demonstrated that while cardiovascular events were infrequent overall, some were reported more frequently in patients treated with CHANTIX. These events occurred primarily in patients with known cardiovascular disease. In both the clinical trial and meta-analysis, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was lower in patients treated with CHANTIX. Instruct patients to notify their healthcare providers of new or worsening cardiovascular symptoms and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke. ( 5.5 and 6.1 ) Somnambulism : Cases of somnambulism have been reported in patients taking CHANTIX. Some cases described harmful behavior to self, others, or property. Instruct patients to discontinue CHANTIX and notify their healthcare provider if they experience somnambulism. ( 5.6 and 6.2 ) Angioedema and Hypersensitivity Reactions : Such reactions, including angioedema, infrequently life-threatening, have been reported. Instruct patients to discontinue CHANTIX and immediately seek medical care if symptoms occur. ( 5.7 and 6.2 ) Serious Skin Reactions : Rare, potentially life-threatening skin reactions have been reported. Instruct patients to discontinue CHANTIX and contact a healthcare provider immediately at first appearance of skin rash with mucosal lesions. ( 5.8 and 6.2 ) Nausea : Nausea is the most common adverse reaction (up to 30% incidence rate). Dose reduction may be helpful. ( 5.9 ) 5.1 Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events including Suicidality Serious neuropsychiatric adverse events have been reported in patients being treated with CHANTIX [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . These postmarketing reports have included changes in mood (including depression and mania), psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, hostility, agitation, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide. Some patients who stopped smoking may have been experiencing symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, including depressed mood. Depression, rarely including suicidal ideation, has been reported in smokers undergoing a smoking cessation attempt without medication. However, some of these adverse events occurred in patients taking CHANTIX who continued to smoke. Neuropsychiatric adverse events occurred in patients without and with pre-existing psychiatric disease; some patients experienced worsening of their psychiatric illnesses. Some neuropsychiatric adverse events, including unusual and sometimes aggressive behavior directed to oneself or others, may have been worsened by conco …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions were reported in postmarketing experience and are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events including Suicidality [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Interaction with alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Accidental injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Cardiovascular events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Somnambulism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Angioedema and hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Serious skin reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] In the placebo-controlled premarketing studies, the most common adverse events associated with CHANTIX (>5% and twice the rate seen in placebo-treated patients) were nausea, abnormal (vivid, unusual, or strange) dreams, constipation, flatulence, and vomiting. The treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse events in patients dosed with 1 mg twice daily was 12% for CHANTIX, compared to 10% for placebo in studies of three months' treatment. In this group, the discontinuation rates that are higher than placebo for the most common adverse events in CHANTIX-treated patients were as follows: nausea (3% vs. 0.5% for placebo), insomnia (1.2% vs. 1.1% for placebo), and abnormal dreams (0.3% vs. 0.2% for placebo). Smoking cessation, with or without treatment, is associated with nicotine withdrawal symptoms and has also been associated with the exacerbation of underlying psychiatric illness. Most common adverse reactions (>5% and twice the rate seen in placebo-treated patients) were nausea, abnormal (e.g., vivid, unusual, or strange) dreams, constipation, flatulence, and vomiting. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer Inc. at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the adverse reactions rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. During the premarketing development of CHANTIX, over 4500 subjects were exposed to CHANTIX, with over 450 treated for at least 24 weeks and approximately 100 for a year. Most study participants were treated for 12 weeks or less. The most common adverse event associated with CHANTIX treatment is nausea, occurring in 30% of patients treated at the recommended dose, compared with 10% in patients taking a comparable placebo regimen [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] . Table 3 shows the adverse events for CHANTIX and placebo in the 12- week fixed dose premarketing studies with titration in the first week [Studies 2 (titrated arm only), 4, and 5]. Adverse events were categorized using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA, Version 7.1). MedDRA High Level Group Terms (HLGT) reported in ≥ 5% of patients in the CHANTIX 1 mg twice daily dose group, and more commonly than in the placebo group, are listed, along with subordinate Preferred Terms (PT) reported in ≥ 1% of CHANTIX patients (and at least 0.5% more frequent than placebo). Closely related Preferred Terms such as 'Insomnia', 'Initial insomnia', 'Middle insomnia', 'Early morning awakening' were grouped, but individual patients reporting two or more grouped events are only counted once. Table 3: Common Treatment Emergent AEs (%) in the Fixed-Dose, Placebo-Controlled Studies (HLGTs ≥ 5% of patients in the 1 mg BID CHANTIX Group and more commonly than Placebo and PT ≥ 1% in the 1 mg BID CHANTIX Group, and 1 mg BID CHANTIX at least 0.5% more than Placebo) SYSTEM ORGAN CLASS High Level Group Term CHANTIX 0.5 mg BID CHANTIX 1 mg BID Placebo Preferred Term N=129 N=821 N=805 GASTROINTESTINAL (GI) GI Signs and Symptoms Nausea 16 30 10 Abdominal Pain Includes PTs Abdominal (pain, pain upper, pa …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Based on varenicline characteristics and clinical experience to date, CHANTIX has no clinically meaningful pharmacokinetic drug interactions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. • Other Smoking-Cessation Therapies: Safety and efficacy in combination with other smoking-cessation therapies has not been established. Coadministration of varenicline and transdermal nicotine resulted in a high rate of discontinuation due to adverse events. ( 7.1 ) • Effect of Smoking Cessation on Other Drugs: Pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of certain drugs (e.g., theophylline, warfarin, insulin) may be altered, necessitating dose adjustment. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Use with Other Drugs for Smoking Cessation Safety and efficacy of CHANTIX in combination with other smoking cessation therapies have not been studied. Bupropion Varenicline (1 mg twice daily) did not alter the steady-state pharmacokinetics of bupropion (150 mg twice daily) in 46 smokers. The safety of the combination of bupropion and varenicline has not been established. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT ) Although co-administration of varenicline (1 mg twice daily) and transdermal nicotine (21 mg/day) for up to 12 days did not affect nicotine pharmacokinetics, the incidence of nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness, dyspepsia, and fatigue was greater for the combination than for NRT alone. In this study, eight of twenty-two (36%) patients treated with the combination of varenicline and NRT prematurely discontinued treatment due to adverse events, compared to 1 of 17 (6%) of patients treated with NRT and placebo. 7.2 Effect of Smoking Cessation on Other Drugs Physiological changes resulting from smoking cessation, with or without treatment with CHANTIX, may alter the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of certain drugs (e.g., theophylline, warfarin, insulin) for which dosage adjustment may be necessary.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data have not suggested an increased risk for major birth defects following exposure to varenicline in pregnancy, compared with women who smoke [see Data ]. Smoking during pregnancy is associated with maternal, fetal, and neonatal risks (see Clinical Considerations ) . In animal studies, varenicline did not result in major malformations but caused decreased fetal weights in rabbits when dosed during organogenesis at exposures equivalent to 50 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). Additionally, administration of varenicline to pregnant rats during organogenesis through lactation produced developmental toxicity in offspring at maternal exposures equivalent to 36 times human exposure at the MRHD [see Data ] . The estimated background risk of oral clefts is increased by approximately 30% in infants of women who smoke during pregnancy, compared to pregnant women who do not smoke. The background risk of other major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. In the US general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Smoking during pregnancy causes increased risks of orofacial clefts, premature rupture of membranes, placenta previa, placental abruption, ectopic pregnancy, fetal growth restriction and low birth weight, stillbirth, preterm delivery and shortened gestation, neonatal death, sudden infant death syndrome and reduction of lung function in infants. It is not known whether quitting smoking with CHANTIX during pregnancy reduces these risks. Data Human Data A population-based observational cohort study using the national registers of Denmark and Sweden compared pregnancy and birth outcomes among women exposed to varenicline (N=335, includes 317 first trimester exposed) with women who smoked during pregnancy (N=78,412) and with non-smoking pregnant women (N=806,438). The prevalence of major malformations, the primary outcome, was similar in all groups, including between smoking and non-smoking groups. The prevalence of adverse perinatal outcomes in the varenicline-exposed cohort was not greater than in the cohort of women who smoked, and differed somewhat between the three cohorts. The prevalences of the primary and secondary outcomes are shown in Table 6. Table 6. Summary of Primary and Secondary Outcomes for Three Birth Cohorts Outcome Varenicline Cohort (n=335) Smoking Cohort (n=78,412) Non-Smoking Cohort (n=806,438) Major congenital malformation Included only live births in the cohorts. Prevalence among first trimester varenicline-exposed pregnancies (11/317 [3.5%]). 12 / 334 (3.6%) 3,382 / 78,028 (4.3%) 33,950 /804,020 (4.2%) Stillbirth 1 (0.3%) 384 (0.5%) 2,418 (0.3%) Small for gestational age 42 (12.5%) 13,433 (17.1%) 73,135 (9.1%) Preterm birth 25 (7.5%) 6,173 (7.9%) 46,732 (5.8%) Premature rupture of membranes 12 (3.6%) 4,246 (5.4%) 30,641 (3.8%) Sudden infant death syndrome There was a lag in death data in Denmark, so the cohorts were smaller. 0/307 (0.0%) 51/71,720 (0.1%) 58/755,939 (55 kg, as assessed by AUC (0-24), was comparable to that noted for the same doses in the adult population. When 0.5 mg BID was given, steady-state daily exposure of varenicline was, on average, higher (by approximately 40%) in adolescent patients with bodyweight ≤55 kg compared to that noted in the adult population. The efficacy and safety of varenicline was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 312 patients aged 12 to 19 years, who smoked an average of at least 5 cigarettes per day during the 30 days prior to recruitment, had a score of at least 4 on the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence scale, and at least one previous failed quit attempt. Patients were stratified by age (12 to 16 years of age, n …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Varenicline binds with high affinity and selectivity at α4β2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The efficacy of CHANTIX in smoking cessation is believed to be the result of varenicline's activity at α4β2 sub-type of the nicotinic receptor where its binding produces agonist activity, while simultaneously preventing nicotine binding to these receptors. Electrophysiology studies in vitro and neurochemical studies in vivo have shown that varenicline binds to α4β2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and stimulates receptor-mediated activity, but at a significantly lower level than nicotine. Varenicline blocks the ability of nicotine to activate α4β2 receptors and thus to stimulate the central nervous mesolimbic dopamine system, believed to be the neuronal mechanism underlying reinforcement and reward experienced upon smoking. Varenicline is highly selective and binds more potently to α4β2 receptors than to other common nicotinic receptors (>500-fold α3β4, >3,500-fold α7, >20,000-fold α1βγδ), or to non-nicotinic receptors and transporters (>2,000-fold). Varenicline also binds with moderate affinity (Ki = 350 nM) to the 5-HT3 receptor.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION CHANTIX tablets contain varenicline (as the tartrate salt), which is a partial nicotinic agonist selective for α 4 β 2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes. Varenicline, as the tartrate salt, is a powder which is a white to off-white to slightly yellow solid with the following chemical name: 7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-6,10-methano-6 H -pyrazino[2,3- h][3]benzazepine, (2 R ,3 R )-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioate (1:1). It is highly soluble in water. Varenicline tartrate has a molecular weight of 361.35 Daltons, and a molecular formula of C 13 H 13 N 3 ∙ C 4 H 6 O 6 . The chemical structure is: CHANTIX is supplied for oral administration in two strengths: a 0.5 mg capsular biconvex, white to off-white, film-coated tablet debossed with " Pfizer " on one side and "CHX 0.5" on the other side and a 1 mg capsular biconvex, light blue film-coated tablet debossed with " Pfizer " on one side and "CHX 1.0" on the other side. Each 0.5 mg CHANTIX tablet contains 0.85 mg of varenicline tartrate equivalent to 0.5 mg of varenicline free base; each 1 mg CHANTIX tablet contains 1.71 mg of varenicline tartrate equivalent to 1 mg of varenicline free base. The following inactive ingredients are included in the tablets: microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, Opadry® White (for 0.5 mg), Opadry® Blue (for 1 mg), and Opadry® Clear. Chemical Structure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE In case of overdose, standard supportive measures should be instituted as required. Varenicline has been shown to be dialyzed in patients with end-stage renal disease [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ], however, there is no experience in dialysis following overdose.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING CHANTIX is supplied for oral administration in two strengths: a 0.5 mg capsular biconvex, white to off-white, film-coated tablet debossed with " Pfizer " on one side and "CHX 0.5" on the other side and a 1 mg capsular biconvex, light blue film-coated tablet debossed with " Pfizer " on one side and "CHX 1.0" on the other side. CHANTIX is supplied in the following package configurations: Description NDC Packs Starting 2 week card: 0.5 mg × 11 tablets and 1 mg × 14 tablets NDC 0069-0471-01 Continuing 2 week card: 1 mg × 28 tablets NDC 0069-0469-11 Starting 4-week card: 0.5 mg × 11 tablets and 1 mg × 42 tablets NDC 0069-0471-03 Continuing 4-week card: 1 mg × 56 tablets NDC 0069-0469-03 Starting Month Box: 0.5 mg × 11 tablets and 1 mg × 42 tablets NDC 0069-0471-02; NDC 0069-0471-03 Continuing Month Box: 1 mg × 56 tablets NDC 0069-0469-12; NDC 0069-0469-03 Bottles 0.5 mg - bottle of 56 NDC 0069-0468-56 1 mg - bottle of 56 NDC 0069-0469-56 Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15–30°C (59–86°F) (see USP Controlled Room Temperature).
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: VARENICLINE TARTRATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Recalls
Source: FDA Enforcement| Classification | Reported | Firm | Reason | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class II | September 29, 2021 | Pfizer Inc. | CGMP Deviations: Presence of the N-nitroso-varenicline impurity above FDA s acceptable interim acceptable intake limit | Ongoing |
| Class II | September 29, 2021 | Pfizer Inc. | CGMP Deviations: Presence of the N-nitroso-varenicline impurity above FDA s acceptable interim acceptable intake limit | Ongoing |
| Class II | August 11, 2021 | Pfizer Inc. | CGMP Deviations: Presence of the N-nitroso-varenicline impurity above FDA s acceptable interim acceptable intake limit | Ongoing |
| Class II | August 11, 2021 | Pfizer Inc. | CGMP Deviations: Presence of the N-nitroso-varenicline impurity above FDAs acceptable interim acceptable intake limit | Ongoing |
| Class II | August 11, 2021 | Pfizer Inc. | CGMP Deviations: Presence of the N-nitroso-varenicline impurity above FDAs acceptable interim acceptable intake limit | Ongoing |
| Class II | June 2, 2021 | Cardinal Health Inc. | CGMP Deviations: Intermittent exposure to temperature excursion during storage. | Terminated |
| Class II | June 2, 2021 | Cardinal Health Inc. | CGMP Deviations: Intermittent exposure to temperature excursion during storage. | Terminated |
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43353-899-05 | 43353-899 | Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC | 4200 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (43353-899-05) | March 7, 2014 |
| 0069-0468-56 | 0069-0468 | Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc | 56 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (0069-0468-56) | May 10, 2006 |
| 0069-0469-28 | 0069-0469 | Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc | 56 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (0069-0469-28) | September 22, 2025 |
| 0069-0469-56 | 0069-0469 | Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc | 56 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (0069-0469-56) | May 10, 2006 |
| 71205-381-56 | 71205-381 | Proficient Rx LP | 1 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (71205-381-56) / 56 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK | January 9, 2020 |
| 43353-899 | 43353-899 | Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC | — | May 10, 2006 |
| 0069-0468 | 0069-0468 | Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc | — | May 10, 2006 |
| 0069-0469 | 0069-0469 | Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc | — | May 10, 2006 |
| 71205-381 | 71205-381 | Proficient Rx LP | — | May 10, 2006 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
| Enforcement | FDA | Recall records |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 13 sections on this page.